Wendy creates, develops and implements iJAG’s strategic growth strategy that focuses on every student. Relentlessly, she remains committed to helping young people unlock their potential by innovating the student experience as a way to lead to improved outcomes. Leadership development, career preparedness, soft skills development, civic involvement and community networking are just some of her priorities in addition to guiding partnership development with schools and employers.
Why iJAG?: “The difference we make in student lives, the mission, the staff passion for their jobs and more importantly, the students who so believe in their Specialist and the outcomes from being in the program they share.”
Prior to iJAG:
- Northeast Iowa Community College – Vice President for Business and Community Solutions
- Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission – Executive Director
- Region 1 Iowa Workforce Development and NICC – Regional Manager, Administrative Officer
- The Spectrum Network – Executive Director
- Northeast Iowa Mental Health – Program Director
Notable Awards:
- 2021 IACCT Diversity/Equity Team Award
- 2017 Mid-American International Economic Development Council Workforce Innovation Award
- 2015 IACCT Iowa Outstanding Administrator Award
- 2015 NICC District Extra Effort Award
- 2015 LERN International Award for Excellence in Management Practice
- 2015 MidAmerican International Economic Development Council Workforce Innovation Award
- 2014 Bellwether Award Finalist for Innovation in Programming
- 2014 ACT Career Preparedness Award Finalist
- 2014 Iowa Department of Education, Iowa College & Career Readiness Exemplar for Outstanding Leadership of Community College in area of Career Preparedness
Major Civic & Professional Involvement:
- Business and Community Sector Boards Chair throughout the district
- Calmar Economic Development, City of Calmar and NICC representative
- Dubuque Works (Founding and continuing member)
- Industry 4.0 Community College Consortium Co-Chai
- Iowa Workforce Development Ex-offender and Minorities Steering Committees
- Northeast Iowa Business Network Board member
- Prosperity Eastern Iowa Board member
- Regional Planning Partnership AEA member, 2018-present, Board President 2021
- South Winneshiek School Board member (since 2008) & Board President (since 2017)
- Steeples Square Board
- Winneshiek County Economic Development Board
- Workforce Transition Team, Iowa Community College Committee
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration – Iowa State University
- Master of Science, Rehabilitation Administration – Drake University
- Bachelor of Science, Family Services – Iowa State University